On the roof of the Co-op Distribution Centre in Biggleswade with Co-op and the project team from BasePower, Tritax, Ivegate and Savills
BasePower is proud to have partnered with Tritax Big Box on a landmark renewable energy project at Co-op’s largest regional distribution centre in Bedfordshire. The installation of 6,744 solar panels will generate around 2,500 MWh of clean electricity each year - enough to power a substantial portion of the depot’s operations. By producing clean energy on site, the installation will reduce reliance on the national grid, ease peak demand pressures, and help Co-op progress towards its goal of achieving Net Zero across its own operations by 2035.
The project also delivers broader environmental benefits. Generating power on-site will cut greenhouse gas emissions and demonstrates the role that large-scale distribution facilities can play in producing renewable energy at scale.
BasePower was appointed as specialist consultant to lead the project from initial concept through construction and commissioning, ensuring successful delivery. BasePower will also provide ongoing monitoring, metering management and maintenance, to keep the PV system operating at peak performance.
Heather Thomas, Group Property & Sustainability Director at Co-op, said:
“The completion of the solar panel installation at our Biggleswade depot is a landmark moment for Co-op. This initiative underlines our dedication to sustainability and demonstrates how businesses can make impactful changes to protect the planet. By harnessing renewable energy, we are not only reducing emissions but also setting a strong example of best practice on how sustainable energy can be effectively integrated into day-to-day business operations”.
James Charlesworth, Director – Asset Management at Tritax Big Box, added:
“This installation demonstrates Co-op’s ambitious approach to reducing its emissions and wider carbon footprint. The 2.5 MW of electricity generated will make a meaningful contribution to meeting Co-op’s energy needs. This forms part of our broader ESG strategy, as we are working closely with a number of our clients to install solar PV, enhance building efficiency, and support their journeys towards net zero.”
Dan Poulson, Co-Founder at BasePower said:
“This scheme exemplifies how BasePower collaborates with Tritax and their clients to deliver the energy required for business, not just at day one but as demands develop through the life of a site, and despite complex grid constraints.”
Tritax and BasePower work in partnership to deliver the energy services strategy at over 20 logistics parks across the UK, providing greater energy resilience for occupiers and a pathway to fully net zero carbon. The Co-op solar PV project was funded by Tritax Box REIT.
